World Cup Betting and Special Bets

Are we set for Spanish domination?

Betting Odds

Written by James Beckett Monday, 12 July 2010 15:24

So four years of speculation is over, and it is the Spanish that will be partying tonight, after Dutch had their dreams of a first World Cup dashed, in what was a victory for football.

Read more: Are we set for Spanish domination?

World Cup Final Free Bet and that idiot Xavi

Betting Odds

Written by Dave Allan Saturday, 10 July 2010 09:46

 Spain's best game of football this World Cup was when they lost to Switzerland. Their bloody ticcy-takky play is infuriating if vaguely enjoyable to watch but it won't win them the World Cup and my free bet will be going on Holland.

Read more: World Cup Final Free Bet and that idiot Xavi

Third Place Play-Off Betting Preview - Germany v Uruguay

Betting Odds

Written by James Beckett Thursday, 08 July 2010 19:12

In possible the most pointless betting game in football, Uruguay take on Germany in the third place playoff of the World Cup. After semi final heartbreak for both sides, the game will be unwelcome for both sets of players, who would probably much rather catch the next the plane home, instead they have to compete for an honour which in truth means very little.


Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez though has insisted his players will give it their all on Saturday, and he hopes to have the talismanic figure of Diego Forlan available, after he was was forced off with a thigh complaint during the semi final.


Forlan has starred for Uruguay so far in South Africa, scoring four times during his six games, and his performances have seen him linked with a host of European clubs. The former Manchester United man will be certainly hoping for one last chance to showcase his talents in front of a global audience.


Tabarez will however defiantly have Ajax striker Luis Suarez available after he missed the semi final through suspension. Suarez could come in for Walter Gargano, meaning once again Forlan is used just behind the front two of Suarez and Edison Cavani.


Elsewhere, Jorge Fucile could come back in to the side for Martín Cáceres, however given the nature of the game, Tabarez could opt to give the Barcelona defender his second game of the tournament. But Tabarez will defiantly be without captain Diego Lugano who misses out with a knee injury.


But whoever Tabarez picks, they will be up against a German side who have arguably been the most impressive side in South Africa. Coach Joachim Löw has assembled a group of young hungry players, and the results have been superb, including four goal humiliations of England and Argentina.

But against Spain, Germany came unstuck and were left disappointed in the semi finals for the second World Cup in a row. Now Löw faces the almost impossible task of attempting to pick up his players, who will obviously be bitterly disappointed.


Löw will however have four goal man Thomas Müller available again after he missed the game with Spain through suspension. The Bayern Munich man should come back in to the side for Toni Kroos, the man who replaced him for the semi final.


Elsewhere though don't expect Germany to make a host of changes. Striker Miroslav Klose will be out to equal the record for amount of goals at a World Cup finals. Klose is currently one behind Ronaldo, and level with the great Gerd Müller.


In midfield the duo of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil will be out to cap off excellent tournaments in a positive fashion, where as defender and stand in captain Phillip Lahm will be out to make sure his side regain some pride, in what could be his last game with the armband.


Pride will be what both teams are playing for in Port Elizabeth, and given the nature of Germany's World Cup so far, you'd fully expect them to overcome Uruguay and take third place.


Löw and his squad will be fully aware that they perhaps deserved more reward from their impressive displays against England and Argentina, and will be out to impress once more. Where as you feel that Uruguay may just feel they have over achieved already, and already be thinking about the journey home. 

World Cup Final - Spain v Holland Betting Preview

Betting Odds

Written by James Beckett Thursday, 08 July 2010 10:36

So after years of speculation we finally know who will compete for the biggest prize of all this Sunday. Pre tournament betting favourites Spain, and the Netherlands are the two teams that will emerge from the tunnel at Soccer City, with the one thing certain, one country will be celebrating winning the World Cup for the first time.

Read more: World Cup Final - Spain v Holland Betting Preview

Germany v Spain Betting Preview

Betting Odds

Written by James Beckett Sunday, 04 July 2010 23:26

In a repeat of the Euro 2008 final, Germany take on Spain, but this time a place in the World Cup final is the prize for the winners, and whoever emerges victorious from this game will surely go down as the betting favourites to take the trophy home.


Spain won 1-0 back in 2008, with Fernando Torres netting the decisive goal. Back then Torres was in a similar form to this World Cup and hardly looked at his best, but he proved his reputation as a big game player in the final with the only goal, and how Spanish manager Vicente Del Bosque would like a similar outcome this time round.


But Del Bosque has been able to turn to David Villa this summer, and the Barcelona hit man has arguably been the player of the tournament he so far. Despite playing in a wide left role, Villa has scored five times, and the Germans will have to be at their very best to cope with him.


But with Xavi and Iniesta playing behind them, Villa and Torres are bound to get chances. Neither midfielder has been at their influential best so far in South Africa, but with Xabi Alonso andSergio Busquets in behind them, there is always the chance to get forward and dictate the game.


Alonso has overcome an ankle injury he suffered earlier in the tournament, and this should mean that Del Bosque will have a full squad to chose from for the semi finals. But changes remain very unlikely.

Germany on the other hand will be without Thomas Müller after he picked up his second yellow card of the tournament during the 4-0 demolition of Argentina. The Bayern Munich striker has scored four times so far in South Africa and his suspension will be a big blow to German coach Joachim Löw.


Toni Kroos could be the man to come in for Müller, however Marko Marin will also be pushing for a start. Elsewhere though Germany should be unchanged, with striker Miroslav Klose out to equal the record for all time World Cup finals goals.


Klose will be aided by Lukas Podolski who plays in a wide role, but it is Mesut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger that make the Germans tick. Schweinsteiger will sit in midfield and pull the strings, where as Ozil will drift all over the field, and his guile and class will be a real threat to the Spanish defence.


The German defence looks equally strong, with Per Mertesacker andArne Friedrich looking very solid, absorbing pressure, and allowing the rest of the side to play their superb attacking football that has lit up South Africa so far.


This will prove key to any chance of German success. Spain will inevitably have a lot of the ball with players like Alonso, Iniesta and Xavi, but the Germans will set up knowing this, and will be out to produce the same counter attacks that humbled not only England but Argentina as well.


Having said that though Germany aren't exactly a bad side on the ball either, and it really does promise to be a superb battle in the centre of the park between the creative forces on each side.


But what may prove key to this game is how well Germany can deal with Torres and Villa, if they can keep them quiet, you'd expect them to make it to the final. However the way Villa is playing, and the reputation Torres has as a big game player, you just feel that they won't be able to keep the duo quiet, and Spain could sneak through and keep on course for their first ever World Cup title.

Holland v Uruguay Betting Preview

Betting Odds

Written by James Beckett Sunday, 04 July 2010 10:34

Holland take on Uruguay with a place in the biggest game of them all the prize for the winners. The Dutch caused a huge betting surprise when they beat Brazil in the quarters, where as Uruguay made it through to the semi finals with a controversial penalty shoot-out win over Ghana.


Uruguay can maybe count themselves a little lucky to still be in the World Cup following in the dramatic scenes in their quarter final. With seconds remaining in extra time, Uruguay striker Luis Suarez thought he was a goalkeeper, as he handled a goal bound effort on the line. For his sins, Suarez was sent off, but Ghana missed the resulting penalty, and Uruguay would triumph in the end.


Suarez along with Diego Forlan have been key to the South American sides success so far in South Africa and he will be loss in the semi finals. However coach Oscar Tabarez may see the punishment worthwhile seeing as it effectively kept Uruguay in the tournament.


Towering striker Sebastian Abreu may be the man to come in for Suarez, although Tabarez may be tempted to deploy Forlan in a move advanced role and recall Ignacio Gonzalez who has only played once in South Africa so far.


Tabarez certinaly has selection problems. Captain Diego Lugano was forced off against Ghana just before the interval and remains a doubt for the semi final. Andres Scotti was the man who came on for Lugano, and could replace him from the start against the Dutch. Nicolas Lodeiro will also miss out after suffering a foot injury


But Lugano isn't the only key Uruguayan defender who will be missing the semi final. Jorge Fucile will also miss out after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament against Ghana. Barcelona defender Martín Cáceres may be the man to come in to replace Fucile, although Tabarez certinaly has a decision to make.

Holland caused a major upset when they managed to come from behind to eliminate Brazil, and Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk has been boosted further with the news that both Robin van Persie and Joris Mathijsen have been both passed fit following injury scares.


However Van Marwijk will be without Manchester City midfielder Nigel De Jong and right back Gregory van der Wiel who will both miss the game through suspension. The news will come as a big blow to Holland who have been able to name a fairly settled side throughout the tournament. Khalid Boulahrouz will probably come in to the side for Van der Weil where as Demy de Zeeuw could be the man to come in for De Jong.


Elsewhere though expect the Dutch to field the same side that performed so well against Brazil, and key midfielder Wesley Sneijder will be key to any success. The Inter Milan player maker has starred so far in South Africa, and alongside Arjen Robben will be a real threat to the Uruguay defence. Not forgetting arguably Holland's best player of the tournament - the tireless workhorse Dirk Kuyt.

Uruguay's chances of success depend on how well they can deal with the quality of Sneijder and Robben, but without key defensive players, it may just be too much to ask. The Dutch have real quality in midfield, and this could be where they win the game.


Having said that though, Uruguay will always be a threat with players of Forlan's stature, and Holland won't be taking them lightly. Van Marwijk will have to make sure his players keep close to Forlan, because he has been one of the stars of the tournament so far.


But Holland will go in the game as favourites and quite rightly so. If everything goes to plan, the Dutch should see of the Uruguayan threat, and keep on course for their first ever World Cup title.


 

Spain v Paraguay Betting Preview

Betting Odds

Written by Tom Wakefield Wednesday, 30 June 2010 13:36

In a tournament where South American teams have excelled, Paraguay take on pre tournament betting favourites Spain in a quarter final, but Paraguay will know that they will have to be at their very best to cause an upset at Ellis Park, because Spain finally look like the side everybody thought they were.

Read more: Spain v Paraguay Betting Preview

Brazil v Holland Betting Preview

Betting Odds

Written by Dave Allan Tuesday, 29 June 2010 17:24

Five time winners Brazil take on Holland with a place in the World Cup semi final the prize for the winners. Neither side has been at their attacking free flowing best, but with some of the best players from Europe's top leagues on display in Port Elizabeth the game has all the potential to be a World Cup betting classic.


To be fair to Brazil they looked much more like the Brazil we are used to watching during the 3-0 win over Chile. The Samba Kings looked deadly on the counter attack and this was summed up when Robinho curled in Brazil's third goal after a superb run from Ramires.


Ramires came in to the side for the injured Felipe Melo, but despite an impressive display will drop out of the side after picking up his second booking of the tournament. Dunga will be hoping that if Melo can recover from an ankle injury. Elsewhere Dunga is still sweating over the fitness of Elano who has missed the last two matches because of a similar ankle injury.


If Elano does miss out again, then Barcelona defender Dani Alves will once again be deployed in a more advanced role. Alves has impressed during his last two outings, and could even keep his place if Elano recovers.


Key to Brazil's hopes will be how influential playmaker Kaka performs. He has hardly set the tournament alight so far but his through ball that set Luis Fabiano clear for Brazil's second goal showed the immense quality that the Real Madrid man has, and it is surely only a matter of time before we see the best out of him. However he is one more yellow away from missing the semi final should Brazil get there.

Holland on the other hand produced another effective display in their last 16 game against Slovakia, and despite a late scare they never really looked like getting beat. Holland haven't produced the free flowing football that we expected from a Dutch side, but now that they Arjen Robben has returned to the starting line up, expect the customary 'total football' to return.


Robben came in to the side for Rafael Van Der Vart against Slovakia and expect coach Bert van Marwijk to leave the Real Madrid man again. Robben's inclusion meant that Wesley Sneijder could be played in his more favoured central role, and with both Sneijder and Robben scoring, a change seems unlikely.


With players like Robben and Sneijder you would expect the Dutch to play like a typical Holland side, but in truth they are a lot more workmen like than sides from the Cruyff era. Van Marwijk has assembled a group of players who work hard for each other, even if they aren't as exciting to watch as previous Dutch sides.


But with Arsenal striker Robin van Persie up front the Dutch will always be a threat. Van Persie reacted angrily to be substituted against Slovakia, but Van Marwijk has insisted that there is no problem between the two, and this should mean that AC Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will once again start on the bench.


Given the nature of both coaches to win rather then to entertain, there is the worry that both sides will cancel each other out. But with the players on display, there is too much class for this to be a dull affair.


The worry for Holland will be the lack of pace amongst the back four, with players like Giovanni van Bronckhorst not looking the quickest anymore. Having said that with Brazilian fullbacks Maicon and Michel Bastos always looking to get forward, Robben will be a big player on the break for Holland. But you you just feel when you weigh things up that Brazil edge in terms of quality, and if all goes to plan, they should be on course for their sixth World Cup.

Argentina v Germany Betting Preview

Betting Odds

Written by Dave Allan Tuesday, 29 June 2010 11:46

In a mouthwatering clash Germany take on Argentina, in which the winner will surely be one of betting favourites to take the World Cup home this summer. Both sides have played some of the best football in South Africa, and this promises to be a game that is definitely not to be missed.


After humiliating England in the last 16, Germany coach Joachim Löw will turn his attentions to Diego Maradona and Argentina, but they will surely face a much more stringent examination from the South Americans, after breezing past the English.


In truth though, Germany were superb against Fabio Capello's men, with young players like Mezut Ozil and Thomas Müller showing that the future is very bright for German football. Many thought this World Cup had come too soon for the next generation of German superstars, but it would appear they are more then ready now.


Löw will probably name an unchanged side against England, with Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose supporting Ozil and Muller in attack. Podolski will play wide left with Müller on the right, Klose will lead the line, and Ozil will drift where he wants to, and is always a huge danger.


In midfield Bastian Schweinsteiger will play along side Stuttgart man Sami Khedira and the Argentine midfielders will need to make sure they press the ball at all times, because given time the duo can cause all kinds of trouble.

It certinaly doesn't look like it will be easy for Argentina, but with Lionel Messi in their side, they will always have a chance. The Barcelona man is yet to score in South Africa, but with his ability, surely it is only a matter of time.


Scoring the goals instead of Messi has been Gonzalo Higuain who has four to his name already, he partners Carlos Tevez up front who scored twice in the last 16 game with Mexico. With these two hitting a golden streak, the German defence will certinaly have to be at their best.


In midfield captain Javier Mascherano will need to be at his very best to close down and press Ozil, where as new Real Madrid signing Angel Di Maria will be responsible with creating chances for the likes of Messi, Higuain and Tevez.


Argentina have plenty of talent going forward, but if there is a kink in their armour, it is the defence, Maradona opted not to include Inter Milan man Javier Zanetti in the squad, meaning inexperienced Nicolas Otamendi or Newcastle United winger Jonás Gutiérrez play at right back. You just have to fear for them a little against the attacking threat of the Germans. However they may have Walter Samuel back in the centre of defence. Elsewhere Juan Sebastian Veron may come back in for Maxi Rodriguez.


Having said that though Maradona has turned around Argentina's fortunes following a dismal qualifying campaign, and it almost seems pre determined that he will go on to lead Argentina to glory in South Africa.


But getting past the Germans won't be an easy task for Maradona, and key to any success will be who has more impact on the game, Messi or Ozil. Gareth Barry couldn't deal with Ozil, and if Mascherano doesn't then you have to fancy Germany to progress.


However if Lionel Messi turns up, it could be a different story, because he has the ability to produce something special and win a game on his own. You just feel that he will thrive in a game of this magnitude, and star as Argentina keep on course for their third World Cup.

Brazil shorten into 5/2 favourites for World Cup

Betting Odds

Written by Dave Allan Monday, 28 June 2010 23:13

After a convincing 3-0 victory against Chile, Brazil have pulled further ahead of the field in the betting market and are now a best priced 5/2 favourites to lift the cup on July 11.

Read more: Brazil shorten into 5/2 favourites for World Cup